Thaçi’s invitation to political parties unconstitutional
(KTV)
President Thaçi’s invitation to parliamentary political parties for a consultative meeting is considered as unconstitutional, KTV reports.
Civil society representatives believe that the meeting is unnecessary, saying that the intention is to buy time for PAN coalition. But the meeting, announced to take place on 24th July, is not provided by the Kosovo Constitution.
Article 66 of the Constitution speaks about the manner of election and mandate of the Assembly; point 3 clearly defines President’s role, which is to call first session of the Assembly.
AAK has confirmed it has received the invitation, while LDK and VV have not responded yet.
Molliqaj: VV does not enter coalition if Kurti is not Prime Minister
(KTV)
Dardan Molliqaj resigned the Vetëvendosje Movement Organisational Secretary’s post. In an interview with KTV Rubicon show following his resignation, Molliqaj said that the citizens’ vote obliged him to take this decision, and he is doing so in order to take over new responsibilities. He also spoke about the meetings with leaders of LAA coalition and the condition without which VV will not reach any agreement.
“I exclude only one thing, which is that Vetëvendosje will not join a coalition with PAN, and that Vetëvendosje will not join any coalition in a government which will not be led by Vetëvendosje and the Prime Minister of which will not be Albin Kurti,” Molliqaj stated.
Former VV Organisational Secretary, now elected MP, says that this is not a decision of the party, but a decision of Kosovo citizens, who, according to him, voted for the change.
Molliqaj does not believe that new elections will happen. The new Vetëvendosje MP considers his political entity as the winner in local elections. He said that many candidates that were elected as MPs will run for local elections.
Molliqaj stressed that it is very likely that he will not run for mayor of Deçan/Decane municipality.
AKR will not join PAN
(TV21)
Although it was reported that AKR would join the PDK-AAK-Nisma (PAN) coalition and that the agreement would be signed in Behgjet Pacolli’s residence in Hajvali with mediation of Edi Rama, this was refuted by AKR Office.
Korab Sejdiu, AKR Presidency member, said that such reporting was fake news.
Sejdiu highlighted that AKR would remain loyal to partnership with the LDK and Alternativa coalition.
Rakic announces consultations with Kosovo political leaders
(TV21)
Newly elected Srpska List leader Goran Rakic announced consultations with Kosovo political leaders in the coming days, and then they will decide whether they will take part in Kosovo institutions, Novosti reports.
Asked what the conditions of Serbs are, Rakic said he did not know what are the options, and to what extent Serbs will take part in government.
Municipal online platform designed
(TV21)
An interesting conclusion was stated by the Ministry of Local Government Administration regarding municipal institutions’ performance: it was said that Kosovo was leading in the region in terms of measuring performance.
“The aim of the system is to provide overall information on municipalities’ performance. The 2016 Municipality Performance Report indicates that six municipalities had high performance, namely over 65 percent, and the percentage is expected to increase. We are committed to have a good development of local government and to develop a policy which is in service of citizens, in line with their needs. Ministry of Local Government Administration has developed bylaws that help citizens’ participation in local government,” stated Minister of Local Government Administration Ivan Todosijevic.
The OSCE Mission representative Peter Welling highlighted that the OSCE has given a great contribution in order for municipalities to develop a system which is compatible with European standards.
“Public has a crucial role to hold the government accountable and transparent. Good government is a responsibility which is shared between government and the public, so it requires a monitoring and participatory public to ensure a good government. Online platforms nowadays are one of the main channels of public participation,” Mr Weller said.
This project was supported by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
KFOR in Kosovo prepared for any situation
(RTK1)
At Bondsteel camp near Ferizaj/Urosevac, Colonel Corwin Lusk handed over the American troop command to colonel Mike Spraggins. KFOR troop commanders are changed, but security in Kosovo always remains at the appropriate level.
This is also what happened on Wednesday at the Base. The new commander assured Kosovars that regardless the Russian attempts for intervention in The Balkans, KFOR in Kosovo is prepared for any situation, adding that peace in Kosovo will not be shaken, and that KFOR is responsible for general security in Kosovo.
“Our forces are prepared, and we provide national stability and security in any case,” Spraggins said.
The new American troop commander explained that request for additional number of soldiers in Kosovo is a decision which is made at high levels.
“We are committed that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue finds a solution, so that both countries can have stability,” Colonel Spraggins added.
Two persons accused of abusing right to vote
(TV21)
Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Pejë/Pec, Department of Serious Crimes, has raised charges against two persons for the criminal offence, abusing the right to vote. They are suspected to have voted twice in the same polling centre in the village of Dranoc, Deçan/Decane municipality, in June 11 elections.
The case prosecutor proposed the Court to declare the accused guilty, and to convict them in accordance with the Law on the criminal offence that they are charged with.
RTK reported that in total 15 criminal reports against 16 persons have been filed.
